RecipeTin Eats founder Nagi Maehashi has revealed her go-to "secret" hole-in-the-wall restaurant, New Shakthi, located in Homebush, Sydney, which she frequents for its authentic South Indian and Sri Lankan curries. Maehashi, known for her culinary content, drives approximately 50 minutes to the takeaway shop, which she has patronized for many years.
A Regular's Recommendation
She typically orders the chicken rice lunch special pack, accompanied by three vegetable curries, which she notes can stretch to two or three meals. Maehashi highlights the value, stating the $18 pack offers "ridiculous value for money" with "excellent curries." She describes the dishes as boldly spiced and authentic, with a particular fondness for the vegetarian options, calling them "the absolute bomb." Maehashi admits to initially wanting to keep the restaurant a secret but felt compelled to share its quality and value. She also notes the availability of "fried goodies" that are substantial enough to serve as a meal on their own. For new customers, she advises a direct approach to ordering, suggesting pointing to desired dishes on the menu due to the extensive offerings. Maehashi's dedication to the eatery is evident, as she has previously driven from Mona Vale to Homebush solely for a curry fix, comparing it to her willingness to travel for other specific culinary experiences in Sydney.
A First-Time Visitor's Experience
A recent visitor, initially struggling to find an Indian restaurant in Sydney that met their taste, decided to try New Shakthi after hearing Maehashi's recommendation. This visitor and their husband traveled to Homebush and found a queue that moved quickly.
They described the menu as extensive and overwhelming but received assistance from staff in choosing popular dishes. The affordability and the option to order curries in small, medium, or large sizes were noted as appealing aspects. The pair sampled four curries, including chicken chettinad, butter chicken, and two vegetarian options. The eggplant and lentil curries, paired with roti, were particular favorites, as were the tikka masala "lollypop" chicken pieces. The dishes were found to be flavorful, delicious, and surprisingly light, leaving the diners satisfied rather than heavy.
Similar to Maehashi's experience, the portions were generous, resulting in leftovers for subsequent meals. The visitor expressed eagerness to return to try Maehashi's favorite lunch special.
Community Acclaim
Other patrons have also shared positive feedback online, with comments praising the amazing food, huge portions, and reasonable prices. The restaurant, established in 2013, is described as a well-kept secret in Homebush, drawing considerable queues during peak times. It holds a 4.2-star average rating from nearly 1,000 Google reviews, with customers lauding its authentic flavors, quality, price, and service.